Your TEFL course will teach you how to create amazing lesson plans, fun-filled activities, and engaging content, but you might still feel a little nervous about teaching your first online English lesson – don’t worry, that’s completely normal! Having some top-quality online teaching resources to hand will help to ease those nerves. To get you started, we’ve put together our top 30 FREE resources for teaching English online. From apps and worksheets to virtual classrooms and document sharing – we’ve got you covered!
Apps
Kahoot
We’re sure you’ve heard of Kahoot and you’re already using it in your lessons but, if you’re not, you definitely should be! Kahoot is a learning platform centred around games – great for keeping both adults and children engaged. You can create your own quizzes based on the curriculum you’re teaching, and your students can play along using their smartphone or tablet. What’s more, the basic plan is completely free – yes please!
Evernote
Need help keeping yourself organised? Evernote can do that for you! Designed for note-taking, organising, task management, and archiving, Evernote allows you to keep track of everything across multiple devices. Their free version allows up to 60MB of new uploads per month and can be synced across 2 devices.
Educreations
Educreations is an excellent tool for creating and sharing multimedia lessons with your students. Their free app allows you to record & share lessons, use basic whiteboard tools, and create and join classes. If you’re working with adults, they can use the app within your lessons for presentations/projects, and if you’re working with children, they’ll love using the whiteboard feature to demonstrate their writing abilities or play games like Pictionary.
Socrative
Socrative is an amazing tool for communicating with students and assessing their progress. You can interact directly with your students and the app provides tips for determining the best way to progress with each student, based on their ability and learning style – easy! Their free version allows you to easily create quizzes, polls, exit tickets and more, to use within your lessons. Pro-tip: start or end your lessons with a game or quiz to keep your students engaged and to help them learn/remember the topics you are about to teach/have just taught.
Memrise
Are your students struggling with their vocabulary? Get them on Memrise! A great aid for vocabulary learning for all ages. Memrise uses flashcards, video clips, and memory techniques to help with language learning.
Vocab Victor
Vocab Victor is a super fun app for beginner to intermediate-level students. If you’re looking for something different to flashcards, Vocab Victor is a great alternative! Their software allows students to play word games to learn vocabulary in a fun way.
LearnEnglish Grammar
We love the British Council, their website has heaps of useful tools for English teachers and they haven’t stopped there! LearnEnglish Grammar is the British Council’s Grammar app, that allows students to practice their English with thousands of free questions available. It’s perfect for intermediate to advanced English learners.
Lesson plans
British Council
An absolute must for every TEFL teacher! British Council have been around as long as we can remember. Although they might not have as many free lessons plans as other websites, what they do offer is of the highest quality. Their lesson plans are a great place to start if you’re new to teaching English online, as they’ve got all of the basics for beginners through to advanced learners.
Busy Teacher
An oldie, but a goldie – Busy Teacher has been around for a while! Their website boasts over 17,300 completely free, easy-to-use, printable or virtual worksheets for TEFL teachers. Whatever the level, topic, or age, you’ll definitely find what you need here.
My ESL Corner
My ESL Corner offers TEFL worksheets, lesson plans, and games galore! They’ve got heaps of ideas that will get your students excited about learning and make lesson planning a doddle!
The Internet TESL Journal
At first glance you might be put off The Internet TESL Journal, but what it lacks in fancy designs, it makes up for in amazing content! They’ve got lesson plans for all different levels, ages, topics, and types of English, from conversational English, to exam prep. They’ve also separated their lesson plans into different sections to make it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.
TEFLtastic
Much like The Internet TESL Journey, TEFLtastic isn’t the most attractive website, but don’t let that put you off! They offer over 2,000 free printable worksheets covering a wide variety of subjects and levels.
Worksheets/props
Pinterest is just one of many great free resources for teaching English online. You’ll be able to find thousands of free lesson plans, worksheets, props, games, and more to use in your online English lessons, at the click of a button.
Tiny cards
Tiny cards is an online system by Duolingo that allows teachers to create their own flashcards, or use the ones already provided. Flashcards are a great prop to use in your online lesson, as they can provide visual aids that will help your students learn.
Your ESL Journey
Although the teaching props on Your ESL Journey are aimed at VIPKID teachers, that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate them in your lessons. They’ve got heaps of free printable props for a variety of subjects that are great for young learners.
Teach Starter
Teach Starter offers hundreds of free downloadable resources for you to use. From posters and worksheets, to classroom games and props, their resources will ensure your classroom is fun and engaging!
Virtual Classrooms
Google Classroom
With Google Classroom you can easily share and grade the assignments you give to your students. Plus, their handy integration system means if you’re already using other Google services, such as Docs, Drive and Calendar, everything will be synced together.
Edmodo
Edmodo is an all-round classroom management app. Their system allows you to share content, give real-time feedback, communicate with your students, and set assignments. Edmodo also has the additional benefit of allowing teachers to communicate with the parents of their students – super helpful if you’re teaching young children. Plus, you can chat with other teachers and share resources – winner!
WizIQ
Interested in creating your own online courses for students to take? WizIQ is the one for you! As well as offering a virtual classroom, WizIQ also gives teachers the ability to create their own professional-looking online courses, that you can then market and sell – winner!
LearnCube
LearnCube offer a user-friendly virtual classroom with lots of useful features such as virtual whiteboards, video recording, and custom branding. You can also upload lesson materials and resources for your students too.
Video conferencing
Zoom
Zoom offers a completely free version to absolutely everyone, and has a ton of useful features that you can use to enhance your online English classes. Their free version includes features such as video and audio calls, group calls (max 40 minutes), unlimited one-to-one calls, screen sharing, whiteboards, break-out rooms, and Zoom effects.
Skype
Skype is easily one of the biggest names when it comes to video conferencing software. However, even though it’s a huge name, Skype has limited features on their free version. The upside? These ‘limited’ features are probably all you will need for teaching! Features include video calling to anyone who has a Skype account, instant messaging, and screen sharing.
Google Hangouts
Much like Zoom, Google Hangouts offers heaps of free features and all you need to sign up is a Gmail account – easy! They offer teachers the ability to host video calls, chat using the chat box, screen share, embed YouTube videos, virtual white boards, lesson recording, and Google effects.
Videos
YouTube
If you’re looking for videos to incorporate into your lessons, YouTube is probably the first place you’ll think of, and for good reason! With hundreds of dedicated channels to learning and teaching English, you’ll be able to find videos to suit all of your students’ needs.
ESL Brains
If trailing through YouTube seems like too much of an effort, ESL Brains allow you to quickly browse lesson plans based on topics and levels. They publish worksheets based around various videos, including many TED talks, that you can incorporate into your online lessons. Because of this, it’s especially useful if you’re teaching teenagers or adults.
ESLVideo.com
Looking to bring some excitement and fun into your lessons? Look no further than ESLVideo.com. Their website takes engaging videos and creates quizzes, based on the content, for language learners – a great way to bring pop culture into your lessons!
engVID
engVID boasts over 1,500 videos, recorded by experienced TEFL teachers. You can send these to your students to use directly from the website, or you can source inspiration and tips from the videos.
Document sharing
Google Drive
Google Drive is a great free tool that allows you to upload and share documents with your students. Their free version offers a 15GB storage, with the option to buy more. You can also create Google Docs within your drive that are great for homework or group workbooks, as multiple people can edit at once.
Dropbox
Much like Google Drive, Dropbox offers teachers the ability to share photos, documents, and other files from any device, although they only offer 2GB for free.
Wetransfer
Continuing on the theme… Wetransfer is like Google Drive and Dropbox, with the added benefit is that it’s very simple and quick to use (you don’t even need a login). The same rules as Dropbox apply though, as you can only transfer up to 2GB at a time for free, and an added challenge is that you need to make sure the person is going to download the files soon, as the download link times out after 7 days using the free option.
So what are you waiting for?! Get out there and make your teaching experience even easier with all these wonderful resources!
Still need to get TEFL qualified? No worries! Download aTEFL courses brochure or arrange a free call back with one of our TEFL experts, who will be happy to talk you through it. You can also find out your perfect course match in under 2 minutes! Just take our quick course matching quiz.
Looking for that perfect online TEFL role, so you can get started? Check out the LoveTEFL jobs board for some amazing online jobs to apply for.
Happy teaching!
FAQs
Can you do TEFL for 6 months? ›
A TEFL placement is considered long-term if the length is 3-6 months or more. Long-term contracts cover all types of jobs; language schools, private schools, universities… the list goes on. The types of learners are just as varied, ranging from nursery level to business professionals.
Can I teach English with just a TEFL? ›You do not need a degree or prior teaching experience to teach English abroad in many countries around the world. Having an accredited TEFL certification is all you need to teach English in numerous destinations throughout South America and in some parts of Europe and Asia.
Can you do TEFL without a degree? ›If you're looking to TEFL abroad, but don't have a degree, it's no problem! Even though a number of countries want a university degree in order to qualify for a working visa, there are still some amazing destinations for those that don't have a degree but want to find a TEFL job abroad. Read on to find out more!
Which online platform is best for teaching English? ›- Requirements for teaching English online.
- Best Companies to Teach English Online.
- Preply.
- EF Education First.
- Cambly.
- iTalki.
- SkimaTalk.
- StarKid.
Summer language camps in Europe, Latin America and Asia offer 1-2 month opportunities to teach English for school-aged children and university students (in Asia). These opportunities are great for those looking for shorter stints overseas as well as those who enjoy working outdoors with children.
Is it worth teaching in Korea? ›Savings. By the time teachers finish their year (or longer) in Korea, they save quite a bit of money. It will be a large sum for those that are frugal, possibly enough for a down payment on a house or tuition for graduate school. Even if someone doesn't save at all, don't worry.
Does TEFL get you a job? ›If you don't have a teaching license and are seeking an overseas teaching job, you should have both a bachelor's degree and a TEFL certificate. With these under your belt, you may be lucky enough to find ESL teaching jobs in countries such as China, Japan, and Korea.
How long is TEFL certification valid? ›Not only does a TEFL certification not expire, it's also accepted worldwide.
What is a Level 5 TEFL equivalent to? ›What is a Level 5 qualification? A Level 5 TEFL qualification is an equivalent level to a CELTA or Foundation Degree. This level is ideal for accessing the best TEFL jobs out there. Better paid TEFL jobs, whether that's online or abroad, will be more accessible if you have a Level 5 certificate.
Is a TEFL certificate worth it? ›Is TEFL Certification worth it? Yes. If you want to get a good teaching job and be an effective teacher for your students, then it is definitely worth it. Remember, most schools worldwide require a TEFL certification; and once you're certified you can the ball rolling on applying and interviewing for jobs.
Can I teach English online with a TEFL certificate? ›
Yes, you can. Online language schools typically require their English teachers to hold a legitimate TEFL certificate. A professional-level TEFL certification will provide you with the skills and qualifications you need to get hired to teach English online, even with no prior experience in education.
How much do TEFL teachers make? ›Overall, a TEFL teacher's salary can vary anywhere from $600-$4,000 USD per month. Why the drastic range? There several factors affecting this number.
Is TEFL difficult? ›Generally speaking TEFL is not hard to pass. Face-to-face courses generally have interviews and strict admission requirements so if it is not likely to complete or pass the course, they will not be admitted in the first place.
How many hours of TEFL do I need? ›Generally 120 hours minimum is the most common requirement, but some countries only require 100 hours or have no preference at all. Most employers prefer to hire English teachers with an internationally recognized TEFL certification from a 100-120-hour course.
What level qualification is TEFL? ›Both the Level 5 TEFL course and CELTA are level 5 qualifications according to Ofqual's qualification framework. This means they've been assessed to be the same level of difficulty, not that they're equivalent qualifications.
Does teaching English abroad pay well? ›The pay to teach English abroad varies, but you can expect to earn a decent salary. In top-paying countries, teachers can get paid a salary of anywhere from $2,000 to over $5,000 USD per month. Your TEFL salary will depend on your position, qualifications and the country you teach in.
Is it worth it to teach English abroad? ›If you seek to get paid to live overseas in a foreign country while making a difference in the lives of others, then teaching English abroad is definitely worth it. You will challenge yourself, and grow as a person, while seeing and doings thing you never would have experienced otherwise.
How long do people teach English abroad? ›English teaching positions overseas typically fall into two distinct categories: summer or short-term teaching contracts, usually ranging from 2 – 6 months and year-long (or longer) English teaching opportunities.
How many hours do English teachers in Korea work? ›| Basic Benefits | Public Schools |
|---|---|
| Monthly Salary | ₩1.8 to ₩2.0 million – first-year teachers ₩2.0 to ₩2.7 million – experienced teachers |
| Working Hours | 08:30 to 16:30 from Mondays to Fridays |
| Teaching Hours | 22 to 24 hours per week |
| Vacation | 18 days and 13 to 15 national holidays |
Teaching salaries in Korea are among the highest in the world, where teachers can earn between $20,400 and $52,800 per year ($1,350 - 4,400 per month). With these relatively high salaries, South Korea is a great destination for those who want to teach English, gain an immersive experience abroad, and build savings.
How much money do English teachers make in Korea? ›
First-time English teachers in South Korea working in public schools through programs like EPIK typically earn monthly salaries between 1.5 to 3 million won ($1,150 - $2,650 USD). English teachers at private schools (Hagwons) earn from 1.9 to 2.4 million won ($1,600 - $2,000 USD) monthly.
Can I get a job with online TEFL? ›Yes, you can get a job with an online TEFL, but the jobs with reasonable hours and good pay generally go to the properly trained TEFL students. The traditional route to teaching TEFL effectively is the 120-hour in-class TEFL course, offered by CELTA, Trinity, TEFL International and others.
How long does it take to get a TEFL job? ›Example: You want to take your TEFL course online and interview in advance for an English teaching position in Korea. Your Online TEFL Certification Course will take 11 weeks, and your job search will typically take 2-6 months from the time you interview for jobs to your actual departure date for your destination.
How do I get a job after TEFL? ›Applying directly for online teaching jobs is certainly the best way forward after you've completed your TEFL course. Alternatively, you could try your hand at applying for in-person teaching jobs that will take you abroad. These are just as popular as online teaching jobs.
How many hours do TEFL teachers work? ›However, they do expect their teachers to work for between 5 to 20 hours per week. When you teach those hours is completely up to you however and you can set your own schedule each week. Experience needed: Lingoda asks for 2 to 3 years of teaching experience plus your TEFL qualification.
Is TEFL a lifetime? ›A TEFL certification does not expire. Once earned, a TEFL certificate is valid for life. A TEFL certificate doesn't require any additional training or coursework to renew it, and it does not have an expiration date. You can start work immediately after receiving your TEFL certificate.
Is TEFL enough? ›A 120-hour TEFL certification course is widely regarded as the basic international standard for gaining employment as a paid English teacher abroad or teaching English online, even without prior experience or training in English language education.
What is the highest TEFL qualification? ›DELTA: Level 7
The highest of all of the TEFL qualification levels, a DELTA is equivalent to a master's degree. As you can imagine, this is definitely not your average TEFL course! Of all the different TEFL levels, a Level 7 course is best if you're looking to open your own language school or teach new TEFL teachers.
Complete your coursework in as little as 6 weeks and enjoy access to your course materials for 6 months. Recommended: Add our optional module of certified teaching practice to this course to qualify for more TEFL jobs online and abroad.
Can I teach abroad with just a TEFL? ›In many countries, having a TEFL certificate and being a native-English speaker are enough to get a job teaching English abroad, no degree required. You do not need professional teaching experience, a teaching license, a degree in education or even a college degree to teach English abroad.
How long does it take to finish TEFL? ›
Typically, a fully accredited TEFL certification course will last anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months. Shorter, 4-week long courses will generally run full-time (30-40 hours per week) and are very demanding.
How long does a TEFL last? ›A TEFL certification does not expire. Once earned, a TEFL certificate is valid for life. A TEFL certificate doesn't require any additional training or coursework to renew it, and it does not have an expiration date. You can start work immediately after receiving your TEFL certificate.
How long does it take to get a TEFL job? ›Example: You want to take your TEFL course online and interview in advance for an English teaching position in Korea. Your Online TEFL Certification Course will take 11 weeks, and your job search will typically take 2-6 months from the time you interview for jobs to your actual departure date for your destination.
Do TEFL qualifications expire? ›Does the TEFL certificate expire? TEFL qualifications are valid for life; they do not expire.
Is TEFL difficult? ›Generally speaking TEFL is not hard to pass. Face-to-face courses generally have interviews and strict admission requirements so if it is not likely to complete or pass the course, they will not be admitted in the first place.
Does TEFL get you a job? ›If you don't have a teaching license and are seeking an overseas teaching job, you should have both a bachelor's degree and a TEFL certificate. With these under your belt, you may be lucky enough to find ESL teaching jobs in countries such as China, Japan, and Korea.
Is 120 hour TEFL enough? ›120-hour TEFL course
120 hours is the industry standard. This is the minimum you should have if you want to teach English abroad or online. If you're a native English speaker, have a degree and/or some previous teaching experience then this should be sufficient for securing work.
The pay to teach English abroad varies, but you can expect to earn a decent salary. In top-paying countries, teachers can get paid a salary of anywhere from $2,000 to over $5,000 USD per month. Your TEFL salary will depend on your position, qualifications and the country you teach in.
How many hours do TEFL teachers work? ›However, they do expect their teachers to work for between 5 to 20 hours per week. When you teach those hours is completely up to you however and you can set your own schedule each week. Experience needed: Lingoda asks for 2 to 3 years of teaching experience plus your TEFL qualification.
What is the most Recognised TEFL course? ›- Best Overall: International TEFL Academy.
- Best Online Program: Premier TEFL.
- Best Budget-Friendly Option: ITT.
- Best for Student Support: TEFL Org.
- Best Hybrid Program: ITTT.
- Best for Specializations: Teach Away.
- Best for Overseas Job Placement: TEFLPros.
- Best for Online Teaching: i-to-i.
Can I teach abroad with just a TEFL? ›
In many countries, having a TEFL certificate and being a native-English speaker are enough to get a job teaching English abroad, no degree required. You do not need professional teaching experience, a teaching license, a degree in education or even a college degree to teach English abroad.
Is TEFL enough to teach abroad? ›Though having a TEFL certificate is not always required to teach abroad, getting certified can open the door to more opportunities in more countries. Most TEFL courses will also help you find and apply to jobs based on your interests and background.
What happens after completing TEFL course? ›As soon as you have finished your TEFL course you can start looking for jobs, with there being two main options: applying for jobs online (in which case, check out the i-to-i jobs board!), or in-country.
Is becoming a TEFL teacher worth it? ›Is TEFL Certification worth it? Yes. If you want to get a good teaching job and be an effective teacher for your students, then it is definitely worth it. Remember, most schools worldwide require a TEFL certification; and once you're certified you can the ball rolling on applying and interviewing for jobs.
Is ESL and TEFL the same? ›ESL: English as a Second Language. ESOL: English to Speakers of Other Languages. TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
What is the difference between TEFL and TESOL? ›TEFL, TESOL & TESL Tend to Be Used Interchangeably
While TEFL tends to focus more on the academic side of English learning and TESOL tends to focus more on daily life, there is still a lot of overlap between them. TEFL and TESOL training courses share the goal of helping students improve their English abilities.